About 4 — Master Chefs of Great Britain

The Institute of Master Chefs was formed in 1980 with branches in America, Netherlands and Great Britain. This organisation later became The Master Chefs of Great Britain in 1982, with the aim of providing a forum for the exchange of culinary ideas and to further the profession through training and guidance to young chefs.

THE ASSOCIATION

The Master Chefs of Great Britain promotes the best of British cuisine to both the chef and the consumer. We provide a forum for the exchange of culinary ideas, focusing on furthering the profession through training and guidance for young chefs. Alongside this, the MCGB is proud to organise competitions, masterclass demonstrations and charitable work to further enhance our industry.

As an organisation we support the campaign for healthy eating by encouraging the use of fresh, quality produce in kitchens around the country. Our members are particularly interested in sourcing local ingredients and in supporting small producers.

To further promote quality and showcase the industry, the association and individual members provide demonstrations at both trade and retail shows. Many of our members also offer cookery courses at their restaurants.

PROMOTING BRITISH CUISINE

In recent years, MCGB members have sought to reflect the changes in the culinary scene by producing dishes that allow the natural flavours of the ingredients to come to the fore. Sauces are lighter and the use of butter and cream has been significantly lessened in favour of olive oil and herbs.

The emphasis on freshness and quality is highlighted in the cookery books written by MCGB members and the demonstrations organised at members restaurants and at retail and trade shows.

We know that in today’s busy world, many people cannot avoid processed foods that contain salt, sugar, added fat and artificial flavours and colourings. However, if by our efforts, more people turn to fresh ingredients and re-discover the joys of cooking on a regular basis then the seeds of change will have been sown.

CHARITABLE WORK

As a not-for-profit organisation, the MCGB supports many charitable causes either by fundraising, special collaborative events, dinners or annual lunches. These charities include MND Scotland, SAMH, Keech Hospice and FirstLight Trust.

In order to support aspiring young chefs of the future, the MCGB also sponsors various national culinary competitions, awards and cash prizes.

Behind the scenes, an active committee works tirelessly giving their spare time to ensure the organisation operates effectively and sustainably. This is assisted by a supportive membership base, promoting the art and science of professional cookery and the hospitality Industry.

DEMONSTRATIONS

The MCGB and individual members regularly provide demonstrations for both trade and retail shows. We work closely with our sponsors to promote our aims and objectives, their products and to develop the Master Chefs of the future.

In addition, The Master Chefs of Great Britain offer themed Masterclasses to students and apprentices across the U.K. to further enhance their culinary skills and understanding of quality produce.

David Auchie, Chef Lecturer, SLC

“On behalf of the students from South Lanarkshire College please accept our sincerest thanks for a truly inspirational day at Prestonfield House. We have all come away for this wonderful educational experience enriched and motivated.”

Officials

Patron:

Lady Macdonald OBE

Chairman:

George McIvor

Vice Chairman:

Richard Dalgleish

Membership Secretary:

Shaune Hall

Executive Committee:

David Auchie, Ben Bartlett, George McIvor, Lady Claire Macdonald OBE, Craig Millar, Shona Sutherland, Graham Singer, James Thomson OBE and Graeme Watson.

Honorary Vice-Presidents:

Jeff Bland, Richard Bridgman, 7th Earl of Bradford, Steven Doherty, Ann Long, Stephen McLaughlin, Ralph Porciani, Melinda Renwick, Clive Roberts, Geoffrey Smeddle and Sonia Stevenson.

Honorary Members:

Sheena Buchanan Smith, D.S. Cameron, Gilli Cliff, Nigel Crane, Tony Heath, John Jackaman, William Kerr, Steve Love, David McKown MBE, Colin Pressdee, John Retallick and Gerald Roser.